Giving directions is just like basic communication – it requires undivided attention from both parties and instructions must also be given the right way. Here are some helpful ways to make your children follow directions:
Children who have learning and attention issues can have a difficult time following directions. These challenges keep them from properly doing what they’re told, so they tend to ignore the instructions they’re given. Though sometimes, it can be the parent’s way of communicating with their children that is the issue.
Ensuring that your children understand the message you’re trying to send is one of the important steps to minimize problems in their behaviour. However, there are times when following directions might be a challenge for children. There are a lot of reasons for this.
Ask for their Attention
The worst time to give instructions to your children is when they are not focused on you since this would lead to failure not only for them, but also for you. Before you give them directions, ask them to look, listen and pay attention. Understanding non-verbal aspects of language is a challenge for children too, so instead of asking them to look you in the eye just ask them to look towards you. This will make things easier for them. You might also try moving into their line of sight.
Give them Time to Process Information
After giving instructions, don’t expect your little ones to get this right away. Give them the time to process and understand what you said. This is a better way to train children to listen to instructions since they will learn how to pay attention once you give them instructions. Also, this teaches them not to expect others to repeat their instructions.
Using this “wait time” is also a way to check if they really understood your instructions. Before they do something, you can ask your children to explain the instructions given in their own words. This allows them to ask you questions too, if they have any. Through this, you can clarify what you’ve said in case they misunderstood something.
Use Visual Cues
Children who experience difficulties in processing language can have a hard time following directions. One way to deal with this is to use visual cues as you instruct them. When telling them to clean something, point at what they need to clean. You can also demonstrate how you want them to do something so they can watch you before they begin doing anything. An example of this is showing them how you place the dishes and utensils when you ask them to set the table.
Use Less Words and Be Precise
Children tend to hear a lot when adults talk to them. When giving instructions, only say what needs to be said so they can properly follow your directions. Also, use statements instead of questions, unless you’re giving them a choice. For example, instead of saying “Can you put on your shoes”? just say “Wear your shoes”. Let them know that not everything in life comes with a choice.
Minimize Distractions
When diverting your children’s attention to you and your words, make sure that there are no distractions before you tell them to do something. Encourage them to listen to you without doing other things since it may cause them to miss out some of the things you are telling them.
Of course, it’s also necessary to model the right behaviour: don’t use your phone or do other things while instructing them or whenever they talk to you. This lets them know that what you’re saying is important, and it will also make them feel that their thoughts matter to you.
Speak in a Quiet and Calm Manner
When you need to get something done, it can be challenging to not speak louder while instructing your children. Instead of raising your voice, capture their attention with a softer tone, then give them directions in a calmer manner. This makes focusing on you easier since they don’t have to worry about the tone and volume of your voice.
When they successfully follow your directions, don’t forget to reward them with quality time. At the end of the day, go out and play with the Original Copter. This is a cool toy that can reach a maximum height of 200 feet. No other LED Slingshot Copter goes that high. Each Original Copter is separately packed with the Viper Launcher, a 7-inch red rubber band, a pair of Super Glow Wings, and also an instruction card. Each Original Copter also has the brightest LED light and when it descends, it looks like fireworks in the sky.
Just like every other toy from Whistlecopter, It is made only from high-quality materials and is safe, durable and non toxic. When launched, its wings will never flap in the air like copies and knockoffs. Instead, it will hover at its maximum height, and then slowly spin down to you after hovering in the air so you can launch it again after you catch it in mid air.
Click on the photo to watch the video of
The Vendor Catching the Original Copter in his Mouth.